UK Horse Racing Tips: Cheltenham

SHEARER bolted up on his reappearance at Worcester over 2m7f earlier this month and the small step up in trip does not look set to stop him here. The Paul Nicholls-trained six-year-old showed plenty of promise last season and can continue his forward momentum in this. Hat-trick seeking Irish raider Rexem should not be taken lightly, while smart chaser Saint Palais is another to note on his return to action.
Prediction : 1st Shearer 2nd Rexem 3rd Saint Palais

THE HOLLOW GINGE returns to action following a disappointing run in a Grade 3 handicap at Aintree in April, but he has gone well fresh in the past and certainly looks capable of being in the mix. He made his seasonal debut in this contest last year and was denied victory by a head, but the fact he is now rated 10lb lower suggests he can go one better. Captain Cattistock is feared most ahead of Lord Accord, who should be sharper for his Worcester third over timber.
Prediction : 1st The Hollow Ginge 2nd Captain Cattistock 3rd Lord Accord

KNIGHT SALUTE makes his return having last been seen when awarded a Grade 1 prize outright at the Grand National meeting. Milton Harris' stable star dead-heated with Pied Piper on that occasion, but the latter was demoted for causing interference. Gordon Elliott's charge is the obvious danger having finished an excellent third in the Triumph Hurdle and sixth at Royal Ascot last time. He remains an exciting prospect, while Bella Scintilla is another to bear in mind.
Prediction : 1st Knight Salute 2nd Pied Piper 3rd Bella Scintilla

In this competitive contest, it may pay dividends to side with EDITEUR DU GITE, who struck twice here just under a year ago. The Gary Moore-trained eight-year-old then ran well for fourth in the Grand Annual and he can defy top weight to record a sixth career victory. Conditions may suit El Borracho and he rates the most immediate danger after a successful autumn campaign so far. Clear The Runway arrives on the hunt for a sixth consecutive victory and also demands respect.
Prediction : 1st Editeur Du Gite 2nd El Borracho 3rd Clear The Runway

Salvador Ziggy is on a five-timer and warrants the utmost respect off top weight. Preference, however, is for DIDTHEYLEAVEUOUTTO, who hit the line with plenty of conviction when fourth in the Silver Trophy at Chepstow. The Nick Gifford-trained gelding remains on a workable mark and is expected to relish this step back up in trip. The handicapper has started to loosen his grip on Kansas City Chief and the course specialist is also respected as he attempts to repeat last year's triumph.
Prediction : 1st Didtheyleaveuoutto 2nd Salvador Ziggy 3rd Kansas City Chief

Mahler Mission progressed well over hurdles last season, taking the River Don at Doncaster before ending his season with a Listed success at Perth. He also contested the Albert Bartlett, when not disgraced in seventh, and is fancied to improve further over the larger obstacles. That said, his main rivals all have the benefit of a recent run and the vote goes to LIFE IN THE PARK. Henry de Bromhead's representative took a big step forward in the spring when following up a maiden hurdle success at Tramore with victory in a competitive Punchestown handicap, and made the perfect start over fences at Listowel in September. The step up to 3m is unlikely to faze him, while Chemical Energy, also a winner on his sole outing this season at Listowel, is feared most of the remainder.
Prediction : 1st Life In The Park 2nd Mahler Mission 3rd Chemical Energy

Thecompanysergeant has to give weight all round following victories at Kilbeggan and Listowel, but still commands plenty of respect. Strong Leader made a bright start to his career at Warwick in May and bids to follow in the steps of his full-brother Strong Glance, who landed this prize back in 2018. Milton Harris saddles Earth Cry, unbeaten in two bumpers, and GENTLE SLOPES, with preference for the latter. A 90,000-pound purchase at the Cheltenham Festival sale, he created a good impression at Sedgefield last month and the manner of victory suggested he could be very competitive in a contest of this nature.
Prediction : 1st Gentle Slopes 2nd Thecompanysergeant 3rd Strong Leader